Major road near Moretonhampstead set for weeks of disruption this summer

Residents near Moretonhampstead are being warned to expect significant disruption this summer as part of the A382 is set to close for around six weeks to allow major repairs to a retaining wall.

The closure will affect the stretch between Pepperdon Hall Lane and Wray Barton, near the water treatment works. Devon County Council says the scheme involves rebuilding the damaged wall and bringing it up to modern structural standards.

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A council spokesperson said the work is necessary to ensure the long-term safety of the route and is not connected to recent flooding in the area.

“The retaining wall on this stretch of the A382 is being rebuilt and brought up to current structural standards.

“The work is not related to flooding. Following discussions with the Parish Clerk, it's proposed that the majority of work will be carried out during the school summer holidays to avoid travel disruption for schoolchildren,” the spokesperson said.

ABOVE: The extent of the closure and the diversion route on documents provided by Devon County Council

Although exact dates have yet to be confirmed, the council expects work to begin to coincide with the school summer holidays and reduce disruption to school journeys.

“Dates are yet to be finalised, but it's expected that a six-week closure will be needed, which is likely to start in mid-July,” the spokesperson added.

Earlier information shared by Moretonhampstead Parish Council noted that the narrow width of the road makes it impossible to keep a lane open during construction.

An official diversion will operate throughout the closure, and, because signed routes must use roads of the same classification, traffic will be directed via the A30, A38 and A382, although drivers with local knowledge may choose alternative routes.

Motorists are advised to allow extra time for travel while the closure is in place. 

Further details, including confirmed dates and traffic management arrangements, will be released once the construction schedule has been finalised.